PUNE: As many as 316 violations of long-term lease norms involving govt land were detected in the district following a survey of 2,161 parcels and the authorities reclaimed 87 plots after finding the errant leaseholders.The highest number of violations were in Pune city and Haveli taluka, where the value of land has soared amid rapid urbanisation.District collector Jitendra Dudi told TOI, “The govt has taken back 87 land parcels. Proceedings in the remaining cases will be completed over the coming month.” He said, “The decision in each case is being taken after following the due process. Wherever lease conditions have been violated, action is being initiated in accordance with the rules.” Hearings in the remaining cases are in the final stage. The order to either reclaim the land or regularise the lease with penalties would be issued thereafter, another official said.The violations came to light during a district-wide verification drive launched last year to check compliance with conditions attached to long-term govt land leases granted to educational institutions, charitable trusts, housing societies, private entities, govt departments and local bodies.Several irregularities, including non-renewal of leases, change in land use without prior approval, encroachment beyond the sanctioned area, unauthorised construction, commercial sub-letting, failure to utilise land within the stipulated period and deviations from approved development plans, were detected during the survey in Pune district, officials said.The exercise in the district followed recommendations of the Kharge Committee, said a senior official of the revenue department. The committee had directed district administrations to verify all leased govt land and initiate proceedings to restore govt possession wherever lease conditions were breached.
